How Did You Get Here?

[AccessFlight]

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]

If you don't mind helping me out here, I have several sets of questions that I'd like to put to the forum. One set is for Licensed GA Pilots, one is for Current (active) Student Pilots now in flight training and the other is for those of you without a License and who are not in training but who would someday like to obtain your rating(s).

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?


For the currently active Student Pilots, I'd like to ask you the following five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?
3) Do you feel like your flight training is going as you planned it from the start?
4) Do you have broad and flexible access to safe training aircraft, competent flight instructors and facilities that inspire/support your aviation learning and education?
5) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?


For those having the desire and no License yet, please answer the following questions, if you would:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) What has prevented you from obtaining your ratings up to this point? (finances, no time, conflicting schedules, obligations at home, etc.)
3) Is Aviation deeply embedded inside your heart (bloodstream), or do you view light aircraft as just another means of personal transportation - no different than any other personal vehicle like a car, or suv?

Guys, your help is greatly appreciated! I'm gathering this information to better understand how the transformation process from Non-Pilot-to-Pilot happens for people, no matter how they arrived at or view the GA Community as a whole. So, be as honest as possible when replying. For those who don't wish to participate, thanks for at least reading the thread.

Regards,
AccessFlight


Note: This information is for my personal informational purposes only. There is no "sales," "marketing," and/or "promotional pitch" associated with this post. I simply want to know how people came to GA and what some of their experiences have been through the process after their arrival.

 

[w_privett]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I was a corporal serving among the few remaining cavalry in the 1950's. Yes, calvary. Some of you youngsters may have to look that word up in the dictionary. One day I saw a sign for a “flying sergeant” programme. I didn’t know the first thing about aeroplanes but I liked the idea of being a sergeant, and better yet a sergeant who didn’t have to clean up after horses. I got horribly airsick at first and was sure I had made a mistake, but in the meantime I had met the future (1st) Mrs Privett and had told her I was a sergeant, so there was no going back.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

3 days

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Yes, concurrent with primary training. We started in a link trainer before ever setting foot in a real aeroplane.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

I was paid about $2/day USD equivalent plus a uniform allowance and board. Some fees were deducted from the $2. Basically one could not afford to get a drink off post *and* smoke cigarettes, it was one or the other.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

I was able to eat at the officer's club if in my flight suit. There were exotic cuisine options there that included no wax beans.

 

[AccessFlight]

I was a corporal serving among the few remaining cavalry in the 1950's. Yes, calvary. Some of you youngsters may have to look that word up in the dictionary. One day I saw a sign for a “flying sergeant” programme. I didn’t know the first thing about aeroplanes but I liked the idea of being a sergeant, and better yet a sergeant who didn’t have to clean up after horses. I got horribly airsick at first and was sure I had made a mistake, but in the meantime I had met the future (1st) Mrs Privett and had told her I was a sergeant, so there was no going back.

Cav indeed! (awesome story!)

I'm sure Mrs. Privett, is forever grateful for both the "sign" you saw and your desire to want to be a Sergeant. Of course, the flying part was just the icing on the cake, no doubt.

Let me ask you this very important follow-up question, if you don't mind.

Do you remember exactly where you saw that sign? (where was that sign physically located - what were the circumstances surrounding that signs existence - could you see it from the street, as you drove or walked by - did you have to go to the airbase/airport to see it, etc.)

Thanks for the help.

 

[w_privett]

Do you remember exactly where you saw that sign? (where was that sign physically located - what were the circumstances surrounding that signs existence - could you see it from the street, as you drove or walked by - did you have to go to the airbase/airport to see it, etc.)

Yes, I remember it like yesterday. The sign was on the bulletin board next to the cashier's window where the enlisted men draw their pay. That was the typical place to post hairbrained promotion schemes. I was low in seniority and did not know how many "flying sergeant" slots were available so I took the sign with me (for safekeeping from vandals).

 

[AccessFlight]

...We started in a link trainer before ever setting foot in a real aeroplane.

The Blue Box! I read something in a magazine about those years ago. I could not believe that pilots were actually being trained in those things - but they most certainly were.

Wow - you do go back indeed, sir! Thanks for the help.

Yes, I remember it like yesterday. The sign was on the bulletin board next to the cashier's window where the enlisted men draw their pay. That was the typical place to post hairbrained promotion schemes. I was low in seniority and did not know how many "flying sergeant" slots were available so I took the sign with me (for safekeeping from vandals).

Thank you very much - clearly, your gateway was through the Military.

 

[jtheune]

The Blue Box! I read something in a magazine about those years ago. I could not believe that pilots were actually being trained in those things - but they most certainly were.

Wow - you do go back indeed, sir! Thanks for the help.




Thank you very much - clearly, your gateway was through the Military.

Not only did I train in one but I trained the next student in one. I was a Training Device specialist ( TD ) in the Navy from 77-83 and part of our initial training was to learn to fly one and then we learned to teach by teaching the next student in the queue.

 

[geneseib]

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Took a penny a pound charity flight while attending college. Boss at one of my first jobs was a pilot, which was my real introduction, and where I discovered flying was for anyone who wanted to.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

3 years.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Been flying VFR for 36 years. No instrument rating.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

A-

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

I'm more of a loner and didn't really seek out a community, but have enjoyed meeting many pilots one on one.

 

[AggieMike88]

Link Trainers: There is a restored one at the museum at KFTW (same hangar where they used to keep Chuckie and now the Pacific Prowler)

 

[steingar]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Discussed airplane ownership with a colleague and realized that it was within my means.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

Took a couple months to buy the aircraft.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Ten years and counting. The down side to winning a VFR-only aircraft.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Self-financed with liquid assets. I would never go into debt for a hobby.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Instantly, and truly the best part of the experience. Pilots are good people.

 

[flightwriter]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

On August 8, 2002, I caught a ride aboard a Cessna 310Q operated by the Part 135 subsidiary of the courier service I worked for at the time. They sent me to cover a route up in the Four Corners area, and that was the quickest way to get me up there. Before that day, I had never been on a plane smaller than a 737 (and that had taken me 16 years) but I knew I wanted to learn to fly the moment the mains lifted off Runway 3 at KABQ.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

A friend bought a Discovery Flight for me in April 2003, and I started actual lessons (with a CFI who was friends with the pilot I'd flown with in August) one month later.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

For now I'm flying as a Sport Pilot, though I plan to go after a full PPL and then instrument training... once I screw up the courage to petition OKC for a medical again.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

B-minus. I paid for a lot out of my pocket, but I probably would not have a certificate today were it not for the generosity of others. A loan from a friend helped get me started, a fat moving stipend funded my continued training, and a handshake deal with an LSA distributor finally allowed me to complete it.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Absolutely (and still do!) My first instructor really went a long way towards making me feel like I was "part of the family" by encouraging me to join AOPA, hang out at the airport, and attend local flying events.

 

[jonnyjetprop]

1. I accidently took a private pilot ground school in college. The instructor came in to my place of work. We talked and he offered a free lession. I was hooked. I decided that's what I wanted to do for a living. I flew model airplanes as a kid (still do) and was taking aeronautical engineering classes.

2. A couple of weeks between starting class and first lession.

3. I went straight through my ratings. Private, Instrument, commercial, CFI, multi, CFII, MEI, and then ATP.

4. I paid cash. Never finance flight training.

5. I learned to fly at a small flying club in San Luis Obispo, CA. Yes, there was a tight community feel to both the flying club and the airport in general.

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]

If you don't mind helping me out here, I have several sets of questions that I'd like to put to the forum. One set is for Licensed GA Pilots, one is for Current (active) Student Pilots now in flight training and the other is for those of you without a License and who are not in training but who would someday like to obtain your rating(s).

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?


For the currently active Student Pilots, I'd like to ask you the following five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?
3) Do you feel like your flight training is going as you planned it from the start?
4) Do you have broad and flexible access to safe training aircraft, competent flight instructors and facilities that inspire/support your aviation learning and education?
5) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?


For those having the desire and no License yet, please answer the following questions, if you would:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) What has prevented you from obtaining your ratings up to this point? (finances, no time, conflicting schedules, obligations at home, etc.)
3) Is Aviation deeply embedded inside your heart (bloodstream), or do you view light aircraft as just another means of personal transportation - no different than any other personal vehicle like a car, or suv?

Guys, your help is greatly appreciated! I'm gathering this information to better understand how the transformation process from Non-Pilot-to-Pilot happens for people, no matter how they arrived at or view the GA Community as a whole. So, be as honest as possible when replying. For those who don't wish to participate, thanks for at least reading the thread.

Regards,
AccessFlight


Note: This information is for my personal informational purposes only. There is no "sales," "marketing," and/or "promotional pitch" associated with this post. I simply want to know how people came to GA and what some of their experiences have been through the process after their arrival.

 

[saracelica]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

1. Husband took me flying. Well Boyfriend at the time. Fun he wanted to see what I thought of it since it was his passion and he enjoyed it since almost birth (his grandpa took him flying all the time)
2. About 3 weeks. I did the Pinch Hitter course so I could at least land the plane and feel comfortable. Little did I know that would be the end of having money. I started flight training towards my PPL two days after getting married (so I could be an associate member of my husbands club account - 1/2 price dues)
3. I don't have my Instrument rating but I plan on doing that in 2013 which would be a little over a year after getting my PPL
4. I'd say it was sort of easy. I planned ahead. My parents gave us money supposedly for the wedding but we basically did a courthouse wedding and put the rest of the "wedding money" towards getting my wings. Getting to the airport after work was sort of nightmarish but doable.
5. No I felt sort of out there on my own. But that could've been to my own dimise I invest myself into a project - head down and focused. After getting the ticket I found I had a good group supporting me in the woodwork

 

[ebykowsky]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
When I was in preschool, my dad took me to an airshow at the local airport where I ultimately did most of my training, and I loved seeing all the planes and meeting the pilots. Then, he bought me flight sim, not knowing how expensive this purchase would turn out to be I loved playing flight sim for about 10 years, and looked up every time I heard an airborne engine. Last year, I had an epiphany driving in the car one day, and thought, "hey, I could become a pilot if I wanted instead of just playing flight sim all the time!" About half a year later, I had convinced my parents to let me start training. Now, I'm just about through (but I still play flight sim all the time--only now I can pass it off as practice!)
2) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?
Yes and no; I definitely knew there was a community out there, and wanted to become part of it, but certainly didn't feel a part of it, as I'd just taken a couple of lessons and didn't really know much about it. I finally felt like a pilot once I completed my first solo, and now I really enjoy seeing the people I've come to know around the airport through my training.
3) Do you feel like your flight training is going as you planned it from the start?
Somewhat; I've had to backtrack a bit due to a relocation, but overall, I'm pretty much on schedule to finish with about 50 hrs.
4) Do you have broad and flexible access to safe training aircraft, competent flight instructors and facilities that inspire/support your aviation learning and education?
Yep!
5) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
A- I made sure that I was financially able to complete my flight training before committing, and my parents paid for about a third. However, it takes a bit out of me each time I see the bill for the latest flight

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

1) Always had in interest in things flying. My first ride was when I was a kid - don't recall how old. Later, the old man was part owner in a couple Navions that I rode in. When I was much older (like 19 or so) my brother went out and got his ticket so the old man decided to get another airplane - a Cessna 120. I learned to fly in that and eventually decided to take lesssons so I could fly on my own.

2) Several years - 15 or so at a guess.

3) Never got, never will get an instrument rating.

4) All I paid for was the gas - pretty darn easy.

5) I guess. I hung around the airport enough that I knew some of the resident geezers...

 

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

I started flight training towards my PPL two days after getting married (so I could be an associate member of my husbands club account - 1/2 price dues)

Now - that's an unusual reason for getting married...

 

[DeeG]

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]


For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Was having lunch one day, waitress mentioned flying, I asked about expenses, etc. She said she had worked the desk at the flight school in exchange for airplane time. CFI and fuel were extra. Went to the airport a week later, chatted with the owner, started lessons the following day.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

~9 days

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

It started the next lesson after the checkride.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Didn't have to finance anything. Worked the desk part time, that paid for the plane. I had a full time job and that paid for the CFI and fuel. Flying lessons were much cheaper 21 years ago. lol

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes.

 

[upstateny]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

My wife and I were on a dive vacation at Walkers Cay in the Bahamas. It a small island with a landing strip, marina and hotel. You can walk around the whole island after dinner. As we walked around the airplanes parked on the apron, my wife said, "You should look into being a pilot. We could fly ourselves out here." Got home and signed up for the first lesson. (It's her fault!)

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

2 months. It would have been sooner, but I got weathered out for the first 4 scheduled lessons.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Lag (BIG lag) No reason to get Instrument ticket until I had my own plane. No IFR allowed in the planes I rented.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

A-/B+ As a mid-life crisis pilot, I'd saved enough to pull it off, but it did take some re-arrangement of priorities.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Not really. It was a small school, so I didn't have much contact with other pilots or student pilots. I didn't feel part of a "Community" until I became a CFI.

 

[EdFred]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
I drove past Z98 somewhere between 1000 and 1500 times, and one day I decided to stop in and ask about flight lessons.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
5 Minutes

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
I started training on it in September after getting my certificate in January. I got "wintered" out by weather, and finished in May of the following year.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
Easy - I paid by credit card after each lesson, and paid the credit card off each month.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?
There were about 5 regulars at the place I learned and we would all sit around and BS for various lengths of time depending who was there.

 

[Everskyward]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

My dad and I took a ride in a helicopter at a county fair. Don't know how old I was but I'm guessing around 10.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

That would make it about 9 or 10 years. My first lesson was the first time I had ever been in a small airplane, though.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

At the time, the IR required 200 hours so I never considered doing it right away. I think it was about 4 years later that I got around to it.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

I would say B. I was going to college at the time and I was young, but I was living at home so I didn't have many expenses. I saved $1,000, which was my goal, before I started.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes. But I was learning at a university flying club for students, alumni, staff and faculty. I was encouraged to go to meetings and participate. Note that this was not an academic flying program and almost everyone except my CFI was doing it as a hobby.

 

[madtrader]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I don't remember. My dad was a GA pilot and stopped flying when I was born. Growing up it seemed normal to go watch planes at the airport. I knew I would one day get my pilot's license, but no idea when.

My first GA flight was when I was 15. It trip to Oshkosh in a Twin Commander 685 with a bunch of guys from the R/C club. One of the guys was a partner in the plane and invited 4 of us to come along. He had lost his medical and had another friend do the flying. Then we picked up one of his relatives on the way. So, 7 aviation buffs in Oshkosh for 3 days. Mind blown. I feel so lucky for that experience.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

I took my first lesson at 18 as a freshman in college. In a way you could say 18 years.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

VFR only for now.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Fairly easy. Not painless, but I had some help from family that wanted me to get my license.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

No. I learned through the University on a part 141 program. Basically everyone but me was in an aviation program. I was a EE. I didn't see anyone in my classes except for ground, and that was only one semester. I joined the flying club, but they were more interested in having Busch parties than doing anything with aviation.

 

[Z06_Mir]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
My mom flew freight & charter in piston singles and twins primarily. My first flight I was 3 months old and have been flying since.
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
I was introduced in the womb I suppose. I took my first lesson shortly after I turned 21.
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
I'm almost done with my instrument. The only time I "took off" was to build PIC XC time, save some money and get acquainted with my airplane.
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
My parents helped a lot with my PPL. The IR not so much... but the work ethic they have given me has been invaluable to getting through the IR. Also their extensive knowledge of the aviation industry has helped me be able to afford an airplane. So I suppose between A and B. I'm not ashamed or too proud to let my parents help me when they really want to, though I'd never ask for the money. I'm grateful to have been given the opportunity for the PPL and it is certainly my responsibility to take that gift and get my IR done and be the best pilot I can be.
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?
Absolutely. I've been around aviation all my life.. I don't know much else. The instructors at my school are great, the whole school is. It kind of reminds me where I grew up. Now though, I sound more intelligent when I'm around old family friends

 

[HerrGruyere]

Hi OP!

1) I was first introduced into GA by my cousin. I was already super interested in planes after my first ride in a plane a couple years before when I was like 6 or 7. I was introduced sort of by accident. I was with my cousin in the Adirondacks, and to celebrate his birthday, his parents bought him an aerial tour of the area. Since we were little tykes, his brother and I got to ride along. So, it was a fascinating ride in a Cessna 180 on floats around the Adirondacks near sunset. Beautiful.

From there, I was hooked. I attended every EAA Young Eagles flights I could. I got to ride in a Pitts S2B at one of those, and at another, I got to ride up front in the Archer and cut the mixture at the end of the flight. That same day, my friend was in the CAP so we got to walk around the tarmac for a while and explore other planes.

Since then, many hours have been spent at the airport and airshows just watching. Naturally, I was elated when I finally got the chance to take the controls of a plane one year ago.

2) It took a very long time. My first ride in an airliner was around 6 or 7 years old and in GA was around 8 or 9. When I finally started training, I was 25.

3) I've had my license for two months. I had plans to start my instrument rating, but that does not seem economically feasible at the moment. Plus, I have other plans in mind that might get me there.

4) I'd say it was a B. I don't make much money. It took a lot of convincing from my girlfriend for me to pull the trigger and sign up at the community college so I could go fly. Along with everyone else I know, I think she was just sick of hearing me talk about planes (they are still sick of it now!). But, I ended up financing it through the school, since I was anticipating getting a lot of ratings to start a career in this. However, that just doesn't seem wise right now to tack on more loan money. Besides, I can afford a flight or two per month right now and still pay my school with money leftover, and I'm enjoying just flying at random. I just need to get my friends or some others to go fly with me. That's the hardest part.

5) I felt closer to my instructors than anybody else I knew when I was training. I don't want to toot my own horn too much, but I took to flying quickly and it all came easy. In ground school, I had a lot of fun helping my peers - honest! There was one classmate that really struggled, and I always bent over backward to help him. To see his eyes light up when it finally clicked for him made my day.

Other than that, many of the pilots I run into at the FBO are grumpy old men. However, I've met a few other pilots (old and young) who are fairly friendly. I also have met some other pilots at other airports that were really cool, and I got along with them great. I can't say I feel a sense of "community," like I live in a neighborhood. Being a pilot reminds me of being a fraternity in my college days. I can go anywhere and there will be a pilot somewhere that I can chat with.

 

[JHW]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Growing up my neighbor had an airstrip on his farm. I would bale the grass around his strip and he would take me flying starting from age 10 or so. By 12 he had taught me to fly his champ by myself, I would fly from the front while he counted his cows from the back. He developed restricted mobility, somehow he got a medical (i guess) but he got to where he could not fly anymore and after that he never flew without me or his son along to work the controls.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

I suppose they were all "lessons" although i didn't get a license until I was working a job overseas and started flying to get between job sites quicker.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

The first check ride I took, I did the type rating with instrument priveledges all together.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

paid for by employer

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes, I feel more comfortable around "airplane people". I think that's the biggest reason we all to to Oshkosh, for a week we can each feel like we're "normal" because everyone around us is the same.

 

[oldShar]

I was a corporal serving among the few remaining cavalry in the 1950's. Yes, calvary.

This is hard to fathom, why?
My youngest son is PRESENTLY an SFC with the US 7th Cavalry (3rd Infantry Division, XVIII Corps).
It's not a dead entity, folks

 

[JHW]

This is hard to fathom, why?
My youngest son is PRESENTLY an SFC with the US 7th Cavalry (3rd Infantry Division, XVIII Corps).
It's not a dead entity, folks

so your son's cavalry unit has been deployed in combat like his was ?

 

[Sac Arrow]

This is hard to fathom, why?
My youngest son is PRESENTLY an SFC with the US 7th Cavalry (3rd Infantry Division, XVIII Corps).
It's not a dead entity, folks

For that matter, the 1st Cavalry Division is still very active. It's also the Division that was depicted in the movie "Apocalypse Now."

 

[oldShar]

For the already Licensed Pilots :
1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

-- Don't remember, other than had the interest before attending Grammar School

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

-- Probably about 10-15 years

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

-- Never completed an Instrument Rating - never saw the point

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

-- I grew up in an era where one was expected to have cash-in-hand for most transactions. Financing was a last resort thing, except for things like houses (the purchase of which wasn't even considered prior to the age of 35 and a good bankroll for the deposit). You paid for training as you acquired the money.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

-- The only real "Community" was the airport bums that did hangar talking in the various FBO's and FSS's. What community? Al Gore wasn't born yet. And once he was, the former evaporated.

 

[SCCutler]

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Neighbor two doors down, when I was growing up (assuming you can call me "grown up yet...") was a pilot, owned an aircraft maintenance and refurbishment shop and flew a Comanche 250 (N6540P). He took me under his wing (so to speak), taught me how to fix stuff and took me flying a lot. Would have taught me, or arranged for me to be taught, how to fly, but he had a serious accident at one of his businesses and had to concentrate on surviving...

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

34 years (!)

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Started IR training about six months after PP checkride; it was apparent that real travel required it.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

A - I paid it out of cash flow. Could not have done so earlier in life.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes; good flight school, really good instructor. The Internet community involvement started a little bit later, first with the old AOPA "Yellow Board," then here.

 

[oldShar]

so your son's cavalry unit has been deployed in combat like his was ?

4 tours is Iraq, including the invasion of Bahgdad, yes

 

[Bill Watson]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Flying radio control models with my Dad in the 60s. We used to go to the flying field most weekends. At first my brother I watched, then learned to fly and became the first 'kids' in the 100 person club. I distinctly remember browsing Flying Magazine and dreaming about flying my own plane one day... but I didn't see how it would ever be affordable by the time I was old enough.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

About 4 years, that is, when I reached age 16. An RC buddy of my Dad had been offered free flying lessons by an FBO (??!!). The buddy said "no thanks" but how about letting the kid take them. There is a god.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

It took about 6 years between 25 hour student and PP - chalk it up to hormones, college and money. I concurrently picked up my glider rating and became obsessed with glider cross country and racing for the next 15+ years. Bought my third aircraft, a Maule, and got my instrument rating in it around '98. That's about 20 years from PP to Comm Instr.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Beyond 25 free hours in the 60s, It was tough but I was highly motivated. I spent 1 year off any career track just working to pay for glider and SEL flight lessons from various clubs.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

No and Yes. Lessons at various FBOs were exercises in alienation. Few businesses were run as poorly as 70s and 80s vintage GA FBOs. OTOH, gliding is and was a tight community that I joined and loved. I haven't flown a glider in over 15 years but I can still drop into a contest and pick up on conversations as if they were yesterday. I live with an RV10 and drive it around a lot but I'll always be a glider pilot.

 

[Sac Arrow]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I don't know, define "introduced." I've always been facinated by aviation from a very early age. I probably held toy airplanes in the crib and made airplane noises. Had my eyesight permitted, my career goal would have been to be a military pilot.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

I took my first lesson when I was 16. Soloed at 17.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

I completed my IR about a year after getting my PPL.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

I ran out of money initially when I started flight training, and I resumed it later in life when I could afford it. Of course it was expensive. Still is. I think the bigger problem is financing flying once you've gotten your certificate.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

I'm not in to it for the "communty" aspect to begin with. I do it because I like it and I use it to get from point A to point B. I mean I have a few friends that are pilots or otherwise involved in aviation and that's great, but that doesn't define what I am in social circles.

 

[JHW]

4 tours is Iraq, including the invasion of Bahgdad, yes

interesting. how many horses did they lose ?

 

[flyingcheesehead]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I lived a few miles from a GA airport when I was little, and was on the 45 to the downwind for one direction of the runway... So, I saw lots of little planes flying over.

I had two uncles who were pilots. One of them took me up in a C152, N48836, on a cold winter's day in 1984-1985. He let me fly for a bit and I tried to steer it like a car, just about rolling us over. He did some stalls, go-arounds, and other maneuvers. I was hooked. I didn't get air-sick, but I did get ground-sick about an hour after we returned to earth.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

16 years. And it took meeting another pilot who joined my fraternity and September 11th to finally get me going.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

I took my first instrument lesson about 4 months after my Private, but I ended up not finishing it for nearly 3 years afterwards.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Well, it was impossible when I first wanted to after being old enough - I didn't have enough money for school either. So I got a job that paid well and worked at it for several years to get my ratings and save money to go back to school. Once I had that job, it was easy.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes - But not at my airport. It was the old AOPA forum, the "yellow board" that preceded this board. I was working on my private at the same time as Ben (spiderweb), Chuck (greebo), and others. And I learned a lot from the questions they posted and the answers posted by people like Ron and Bruce.

 

[numl0ck]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

My dad took my sister on a flight with a pilot-friend for her 16th birthday, I was 11 and scared ****less. I thought we were going to fall out of the sky: literally I asked my Dad "Are we going to fall to the ground?" My second experience was a similar flight when I was 16 and had a blast. I flew on our cooperate plane (Beech 1900) once a week for 6-9 months and really enjoyed that, although at the time I didn't know it was "General Aviation".

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

20 years. Introduced at 11, first lesson at 31.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

I got my license on Nov 5th of 2012, and have not started on the Instrument rating yet. I plan to start about a year from now, after gaining more experience, specifically cross country trips.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

It was easy for me. I was traveling for work and working lots of overtime, so the money was there. In between my trips I would train. Without that, it would have been much more difficult.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Yes. Once I started meeting people at the airport it made me realize how close this community was. I really enjoy being part of it, and I am always trying to introduce new people into it.

 

[flyingmoose]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)
2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?
3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?
4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?
5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

1.) A random phone call from a flight school asking if I wanted a free flying lesson! Sure I do. Just never stopped.
2.) The next day.
3.)Yup sure did.
4.)I cash flowed my private and then took out some money to keep going faster.
5.) Uh not really, just had to start meeting people.

 

[Dav8or]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Other than occasional airshows when I was a kid and a crazy flight I took from Maui to Molokai in a piston twin as a kid that nobody should have been on, I had no exposure to GA. None at all.

I just liked airplanes.

At one point in my late 30's, my best friend proposed we get our pilot's licenses together and showed me around the Camarillo airport through the cafe, out onto the ramp. It totally felt like we were trespassing even though nobody minded and it was all OK.

I went for an AOPA sponsored "Be a Pilot" intro flight and was hooked right then and there. I finished my training as fast as I could and my best friend never got past the intro flight.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

About 3 weeks I think??

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Yep. No lag or lapse in training. Just kept going expecting the fun train to keep rolling on. Even though I was committed and there are definitely fun times to be had during IR training, it was not at all the same experience as the private rating was. Way more work and mental gymnastics. One of the toughest things I've done for me. Got 'er done though.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

I didn't finance at all. I paid as I went mostly. I might have put some block time on a credit card from time to time, but I paid it off pretty quickly. Just my experience. I fully realize that flight training is not something many people can pay out of pocket for.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Not really, but I didn't expect to either. In my experience, you don't just show up and pay the intro fee to a new hobby, or learning experience and expect to be one of the group, or considered a peer. It takes a bit of knowledge and some proof of performance on your part to earn this place.

In my case, I made the wise choice to not get my training at a place that the CFIs wore uniforms, or shoulder boards. I learned at a part 61 flying club and there people fit in pretty fast. Even though most of the instructors there were career minded and headed for the airlines, they were made up of refugees from the airline captain factory down the street and really enjoyed the regular guy, flying enthusiast feel of the place.

So no, I did not feel integral on the first few flights, but after I proved that I was serious, asked a lot of right questions and fully understood the answers, I quickly did belong. I am an introvert and I do not have much of an ego. Yet I can hold my own in the world of GA. If I can do it, anybody can do it. You just need to really, really care about what you're doing.

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

Looked in the sky, saw airplane. Sought out and bought $5 intro ride, once around pattern in college.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

17 years

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

Right away, it was obvious it would be needed to do any reliable traveling on a schedule by air.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Difficult and hard work to lay the foundations, afterward not too bad.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

No, because the "experienced" pilots, mostly CFIs all had a superior attitude, and aeronautically speaking they were generally justified.

After proving oneself, primarily through the IFR Rating, not just the PPL, then they were just like pilots everywhere have typically always been.... "If I'm not doing it and you are, you must be unsafe. If I am doing it and you're not, you must not be able to do it."

 

[flyingron]

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I was always a transportation buff as a kid. I had posters of boats, planes, trains, and cars on my wall. I subscribed to Sports Illustrated only for the coverage of auto racing. I wrangled sectionals, made cardboard cockpits, built models, etc.... My father did labor work for some airline pilots and one of them gave us a ride in his 172 probably about the time I was 12. I got to sit in the right seat and fly for a bit.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

Despite pleading, no pilot lessons or summers at aviation camps ensued from the parents. My first lesson was ten years later. It was the FIRST thing I did after graduating from college and getting a job.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

It took me twenty years to get around to finishing it. I had fairly promptly taken the Instrument/Commercial ground school and passed the test and let it expire. Took the test two more times and let it expired before I finally did the PIC 10-day thing.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

Initially, it was fairly tough. I went without spending money on anything else to afford the flight training.

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Right away. I had the advantage of having worked with a flying club while I was in college. Shortly after I signed up for flying lessons, I had struck up quite a rapoar with my instructor and I spent a lot of time at the flight school and then socializing with the instructors. When my instructor bought his house about six months into my training, I moved in as a renter. It lead to some amusement of the girls at the flight school office when I was doing my solos and they couldn't figure out how I was going to get my signoffs if the instructor wasn't due in to work that early.

 

[gismo]

Hello! [for those who don't mind participating]

For the already Licensed Pilots I'd like to ask you five (5) questions:

1) How were you first introduced to General Aviation? (describe the experience)

I walked into a Cessna Pilot Center (typical FBO/school in the 70's) and took a "demo" flight in a 152 when I was 26. I should also mention that both my parent's were pilots but I'd never flown with them prior to getting my PPL as they were not actively flying while I was living with them (My dad flew in WWII and my mom had more than 1000 hrs in the 40's). But my interest was partially based on their (pre-marriage) flying experiences. I also had learned to fly towed kites and hang gliders (self taught) as a teenager.

2) How long did it take between the time you were first introduced to General Aviation and when you took your first flying lesson?

About 15 minutes.

3) Did you obtain your Instrument Rating immediately after completing your Private Pilots License, or was there a significant lag (more than 1 year) between both certifications?

There was a significant lag, mostly because my schedule interfered with my IR training. Shortly after getting my PPL I joined a well run flying club and started on the IR well within a year of the PPL checkride. But work and life kept getting in the way and I'd find myself going more than a month between lessons which made for pitiful progress. At least twice I just quit trying for a year or two. Then about 10 years after the PPL I bought a Bonanza and soon became determined to get my IR again. This final effort (which was pretty much starting over from scratch) took about 3 months to complete. If I had it to do over again I would try a lot harder to get through the IR training much more quickly on the first try.

4) Was financing your flight training classified as -A- Easy (smooth as silk and painless), -B- Tough (difficult to manage along the way but I got it done), or -C- Mission Impossible (doable, but a total nightmarish headache along the way)?

I'd go with A. While money was a bit tight at times, I don't think it was ever a significant factor. I had a decent job and was making what I considered to be good money but spare time was scarce. OTOH, when I was in college at Michigan, I came across a leaflet advertizing the University flying club (started by PoA's Ron Levy and some of his friends that year) and offering a PPL for $300. I was very interested but didn't have $100 let alone $300 to spend ($300 was more than a semester's tuition then).

5) Did you feel like you were an integral part of a real "Community" at the point you first began your initial flight training?

Not right away. I changed CFIs fairly early in the process (pre-solo IIRC) when my first one got a job elsewhere and for the most part my only contact in the "flying community" prior to my PPL checkride was the two instructors. But the flying club I joined did provide a much greater opportunity for interaction with a wide range of pilots and was a great experience for me at the time.

 

[gismo]

Not only did I train in one but I trained the next student in one. I was a Training Device specialist ( TD ) in the Navy from 77-83 and part of our initial training was to learn to fly one and then we learned to teach by teaching the next student in the queue.

I spent some time in the FBO's Link trainer during my PPL training (rainy day). Being an engineer, I was more interested in how it worked than learning to fly instruments in it. I was especially intrigued by the plotter which consisted of a tiny "robot" that drove itself across a chart while drawing a line. I had worked with (somewhat more modern) Calcomp plotters and thought the design of the Link plotter was rather amusing.